Paston Church restored and revealed

The completion of a major repairs and restoration project at St Margaret's Church, Paston, was celebrated by a day-long event on Saturday 11 October, in which the Paston Heritage Society took part.

Trustee Peter Stibbons was showing the latest version of his forthcoming Pastons DVD – a work in progress that included a recently filmed – and extremely impressive – animation of the 3D reconstruction of Paston Hall. The PHS also provided exhibitions that included a look at medieval Paston and the Paston letters; Paston 1914-1918; and 21 years of the Paston Heritage Society. There was also the opportunity to experience medieval crafts and skills with the help of PHS re-enactors, and PHS books were on sale, together with the world-renowned PHS refreshments.

All of this attracted a great deal of interest, but there were also events provided by the Paston PCC, including bell-ringing, an organ recital by local organist Matthew Bond on the church's historic Norman and Beard organ, which dates back to 1889, and a talk by Dr Andrea Kirkham on the wall paintings at the church, including new discoveries and thoughts on future conservation.

We were delighted that PHS founder Lucy Care was well enough to be present, as well as all the trustees and a good number of other members. Money taken amounted to £140 for refreshments and £60 on books. PHS chair Rob Knee said this was more than enough to cover the cost of publicity and of hiring the loo, and he was pleased with the interest shown by those who attended.